5. Improve your GPA - Yes, it is possible. Obviously, it can improve your grade in Spanish class. If you choose to study during the academic year, it is possible for your GPA to improve. In some cases, schools freeze your GPA when you study abroad, and your overseas classes do not count. So example: Timmy wants to study abroad in Spain for an entire year.
When Timmy was a freshmen, his GPA was a 4.0 (Go Timmy!) So since some schools and/or study abroad programs freeze the GPA, Timmy comes back as a Junior with a 4.0 cummalitve. Then, Timmy starts taking weighted or AP classes and gets A's, so lets say his GPAs for his junior and senior years are both 4.3. Then when you divide it, you now only divide it by only three years instead of four, so the resulting cummulative GPA would be higher.
So, if you want a summary, it is possible that you may be able to raise your cummulative GPA by studying abroad.
4. Cost Effective Travel - Studying abroad may be one of the few distance travel oppurtuniites that you have. Essentially, studying abroad gives you the chance to go on a vacation without missing out on your education. It is often more cost effective than a regular vacation would be. A two week course (Cactus Language) with accomodation, breakfast, and dinner in Madrid is $1,035.
A one star hotel alone in Madrid for two weeks is $1050, according to an online booking agency. So studying abroad in Spain can be more cost effective, and it is definitely more educational than just taking a vacation.
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